Winterizing a boat yourself

[Blue Thunder]

So I've been winterizing my own boat, 4 or 5 different ones over the last 30 years or so. I pulled mine yesterday. It a 2000 Four Winns 5.7 Gsi DP. I have always used the "pull the four hoses off the thermostat block" method of adding the antifreeze after draining the block. In my case, I manually drain the raw water pump because it is attached to the engine inside, not the typical impeller in the outdrive style. I use 2 gallons of AF using this method.

My question is...who uses a different method such as the portable tank that you fill with 5 gallons of AF and connect to the outdrive with the flushing "ear muffs" and run the engine? Does this work and will it work on systems that have the heat exchanger for the hot water tank in boats with a potable water system?

BT

[Blue Thunder]

No one???? Really???

[Shreddy]

I do, and I did it today. Pulled the boat out of the water, on/off to clean the hull. Pump the oil out, and change the filter. Add new oil and new filter. Finally, we have a portable 5 gallon tank and run about 3.5 to 4 gallons of antifreeze through the outdrive and when it's just about complete I spray the carbs to fog the motor and let the engine stall. Have never had a problem doing it this way as long as we've done it. This is 1994 Four Winns 220 Horizon. Very easy to do and saves a ton of money at any local establishment.

[brk-lnt]

I just pay to have my boat winterized.

The last one I did "manually" was a twin-screw inboard setup, and used a procedure similar to what you describe. It really wasn't feasible to use a bucket of antifreeze method.

[jst_4_kiks]

Pming much needed information for you